NEWS
RPS WINS EXEMPTION CLAUSE FOR PHARMACISTS IN ASSISTED DYING BILL
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has successfully secured a key exemption for pharmacists in the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which returned to the House of Commons for debate on Friday 23 May. While RPS has a neutral stance on assisted dying, they have consistently advocated for protections for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who choose not to participate in such procedures.
The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill has passed a stage one vote in the Scottish Parliament. The Bill, which has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament as a Private Members Bill by Liam McArthur MSP, was backed by 70 MSPs, with 54 MSPs voting against.
This means that the legislation will be subject to further scrutiny by MSPs. During stage 2, MSPs will bring forward amendments to the draft legislation, which will then be debated and voted on. Once the amendments have been voted on,
PHOENIX EXPANDS ABERDEEN DEPOT
PHOENIX has opened a new distribution depot in Aberdeen, marking a significant step in the company’s continued expansion across Scotland. This development comes in response to increased demand for its services and the growing needs of healthcare providers and patients throughout the region.
The new facility enhances PHOENIX’s logistical capabilities, supporting more efficient delivery of medications and healthcare products to its expanding customer base. With a strong presence already established in Scotland, the addition of the Aberdeen depot strengthens the company’s infrastructure and service coverage.
The move reflects PHOENIX’s broader commitment to ensuring consistent and reliable access to pharmaceutical supplies across the country. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, investments like this aim to provide robust support to community pharmacies, healthcare professionals and ultimately, the patients they serve. The Aberdeen depot is set to play a key role in meeting the region’s healthcare needs and highlights the ongoing investment being made to improve distribution speed, reliability, and service quality throughout Scotland.
the whole Bill will then be voted on again, this being known as the final stage 3 vote.
Following RPS evidence highlighted in debate during the Bill’s Committee Stage, and engagement with the sponsoring MP and Health Minister, RPS called for MPs to make it clear that clauses on conscientious objection should extend to all activities associated with assisted dying, and not be limited to a narrower interpretation of the ‘provision of assistance’.
An amendment has now been tabled to strengthen the Bill’s clause on conscience objection, which includes specific reference to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians: The clause notes that ‘no person is under any duty to participate in the provision of assistance in accordance with this Act’ and also states that: ‘No registered pharmacist or registered pharmacy technician is under any duty to participate in the supply of an approved substance to a registered medical practitioner for use in accordance with section 23.’
These amendments are expected to be debated by MPs, before the Bill is then passed to the House of Lords for further consideration. This amendment is a vital recognition of the role pharmacists play in the healthcare system and the importance of respecting their right to conscientious objection.
RPS President Professor Claire Anderson said, “I know there are a range of views on assisted dying across the profession and many members have had questions about what this might mean for pharmacy teams.
“The proposed amendment is a welcome recognition of pharmacists’ right to conscientious objection. Pharmacists should not unknowingly be involved in supporting an assisted dying procedure, directly or indirectly, without their consent. I urge MPs to support this amendment and ensure that the Bill allows pharmacists and their teams to exercise freedom of conscience.”
NUMARK MEMBERSHIP REACHES RECORD 6K MEMBERS
Numark, the UK’s largest community pharmacy membership organisation, is proud to announce a major milestone as it prepares to welcome its 6,000th member, marking the highest membership total in its history.
This landmark achievement reflects the growing trust and confidence pharmacy contractors across the UK place in Numark’s member-first approach, particularly at a time when the sector continues to face mounting pressures.
At the heart of Numark’s success is its commitment to the 12 Principles of Pharmacy Practice, a framework designed to help member pharmacies become more resilient, more efficient, and more connected to their communities.
Harry McQuillan, Chairman of Numark, commented,“This is a proud moment for everyone at Numark and a clear sign that our approach is resonating across the sector. The 12 Principles guide everything we do — from empowering clinical services and championing the pharmacy voice, to ensuring every member has the tools, advice, and commercial support needed to grow and succeed.”
Harry McQuillan
With this expanding network, Numark continues to leverage its scale to secure market-leading pricing and commercial terms, helping members remain commercially strong amid ongoing economic pressures.
This milestone underscores Numark’s ability to respond to the real-world challenges faced by community pharmacy - delivering practical innovations in digital, retail, supply chain and professional support that drive meaningful impact.
To celebrate this achievement, Numark is planning a special event recognising the collective strength of its growing membership and the essential role community pharmacies play in patient care every day.
scottishpharmacist.com 3
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